The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-20
HUBERT HERKOMER,s HOUSE.

designed by the Prince of American Archi-
tects, It Will Be a Marvel.
Boston Herald
Probably the only American architect who
was ever honored with European commission
was the late II. Ii. Richardson, who was the
author of the designs for the splendid house
which Mr. Hubert Herkomer. tho painter is
building near London. This house is said to be
one of the best examples of Mr.. Richardson's
work A description of the house is given in a
late number of the British Architect by Mr. E.
G. Robins, who recently visited it. Mr. Robins
American architect" but the character
of his description shows that it is hardly
to his credit to have thus ignored the
authors name, for Mr. Richardson was GER
tainly the peer in talent of any archi-
tect in the United Kingdom. The English
give a reason for Mr.. Herkomers choice OF
his architect the theory that the eminent painter,
being on the most friendly forms with all the
principal architects in his own country, felt that
if he selected one of them serve him profes-
sionally, he would ALLEVIATE the others; and to
avoid this misfortune, he concluded to offend
all of them equally, but less seriously, by
getting his architecture 1900 miles away. This,
however. is not true. The fact is that Mr.. Her
komers choice of Mr.. Richardson was a matter
of deliberate preference On his visit to this
country he bad become familiar with much of
Mr.. Richardson's work. and. admiring it enthu-
siastically, he determined to engage him to de-
sign the house which he had determined upon
building. being more pleased with the art of the
great American than with that of any British
count of how it came about, the story never hav-
ing been made public before:
MIR. Herkomer appeared one day at Mr..
Richardson's house and informed him that he
had come to pain. his portrait Mr. Richard
son, who knew the enormous prices paid for his
visitors work, protested that he had never
thought of having his picture painted by so dis
tinguished artist. and that he could not pos
sibly afford such luxury. Mr.. Herkomer
swered that he had wished for time to
have a design for a house from Mr.. Richardson,
nd bod 2 rpiIo TO vat md
wanted to paint Mr. Richardson's portrait to
pay for it. This proposition simpiified the mat
ter, ard terms were arranged by which
the Brookline architect took the plans, already
laid out by the painters talented wife, and
worked them into available shape. The prob
lem was such as Mr.. Richardson particu-
posed of all sorts of studios, no two
on the same level. with connecting
corridors and galleries of various shapes
and sizes, covered by high, simple roofs with
huge dormers, giving his fancy ample room for
the picturesque effect which he loved so passion
ately. When the working drawings were done
and paid for by that striking portrait which
know so WELL Mr.. Herkomer carried them back
to England and began putting them in execu
ton, but with variation quite characteristic of
so true artist from the ordinary methods. In
stead of making contract with fashionable
upholsterer for the finishing and decoration,
with orders to have this room done in the Louis
Seize style, the next in Moorish. and the connect
ing corridor in Norwegian Romanesoue. and to
have the whole completely finished and delivered
within three months from date of contract he
set himself at work to design panelIngs carving,
metal wcrs-. coloring, hangings, and
"A good artist is usually very much of an
architect, Just as good architect Is very much
of an artist, and even the sober aud thoroughly
trained Mr. Robins speaks continually. in de-
sc-ibing his visit of the wonderful paneline.
the superb carving the glorious copper foil
ated railing. and the inimitate' andirons and
brackets which he saw. not only designed, but
in many cases executed, by the artists
hand. More than this, whenever possible, Mr..
Herkomer has endeavored to have the work that
he could not do himself executed by his own
relatives. many of whom persons of great
talent. An uncle in America is now weaving
some of the silk draperies another uncle and
his father are to do carving for him. aud the